MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Jinggoy Estrada is saddened by the death of Ateneo de Manila University basketball players Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
"This loss hits close to home," said Estrada, being a basketball enthusiast and team owner.
"I know how much sacrifice every player puts into training and every game, in pursuit of making it to the UAAP (University Athletic Association of the Philippines) and eventually the professional league," he said in a statement.
The senator said Baterbonia and Adili "were young athletes full of promise — gone at the very start of their journey."
"My heart goes out to their families, teammates, coaches, and the entire Ateneo community during this very painful time," Estrada said.
"I join everyone in praying for strength and comfort for those they left behind," he added.
